Chartered in 1878, the Community Resource Bank has been providing Northfield and the surrounding areas with financial services for over 130 years.. More importantly, however, the bank has been living up to its namesake by serving the community for its entire existence. Company employees currently volunteer with over 20 different organizations.

While volunteering is not required by the company, bank management has always encouraged employees to be engaged in the community, according to Vice President Betty Chapman.
Community Resource Bank staff members organize their own service opportunities and invite fellow employees to join them. “No employees are required to participate in every event, though it is not uncommon to have several attend to show their support,” Chapman said.

Many bank employees serve on the board of directors for local organizations, including the Northfield Hospital, the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce and the Northfield Enterprise Center.

In addition to serving on the boards of several associations, the Community Resource Bank provides 15 to 20 juniors and seniors from Northfield High School the opportunity to join the Junior Board of Directors. Two employee advisors mentor these students twice a month, presenting business and leadership topics as well as helping the students organize service projects.

“Banking is a very critical part of the economy, and the more we can educate, the better prepared these teens will be when some day they decide to start their own business or get involved in other organizations,” Chapman said.

At the end of the year, the Community Resource Bank awards one of the senior members of the Junior Board a $1,000 scholarship.

Additionally, the bank gives two scholarships to graduating seniors who have shown a commitment to community service during their high school years. “It’s amazing the number of hours our younger generation volunteer in our community,” Chapman said. “Parents are obviously teaching good values.”

The Community Resource Bank’s devotion to service is reflected in the company’s value statement, “Community is more than our name; it’s our mission,” as well as in its hiring process.

“[Involvement in the community] is one item that is carefully looked at even in the hiring process,” Chapman said. “[We want] to see if individuals show a propensity to fit our value statement.”

The bank’s volunteer ethic has helped foster a cohesive team of employees. “Keeping a positive, giving attitude is extremely rewarding in building a great business culture,” Chapman said. “Our employees are proud of what we do for the community, and we always have more than enough volunteers for a project.

The Community Resource Bank prides itself on being more than just a bank. “We realize that the more we give, the more rewarding it is for everyone involved.” Chapman said. “It evolves into stronger relationships with people [and] a stronger business community.”

In addition to helping the community in tangible ways, the Community Resource Bank strives to be a role model for other local businesses and individuals. “Ultimately, we hope to be inspirations to others to get involved in community volunteering,” Chapman said.